The late summer slowdown has arrived at America's movie theaters, but don't tell that to Universal Pictures. The studio is flying high with “Straight Outta Compton” ruling the box office for the second weekend in a row.
F. Gary Gray's biopic about the rise of seminal rap group N.W.A. took in another $26.7 million (down a slightly more than expected 55.5%) for an incredible $111.4 million in just 10 days. With little real competition on the horizon, “Compton” could remain no. 1 all the way through Labor Day weekend.
Holding strong at no. 2 was Paramount Pictures's “Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.” The fifth installment in the long running franchise earned another $11.7 million for $157.7 million. Globally it's found $438.5 million and will look for a boost when opening in China on Sept. 8.
Three new films entered multiplexes on Friday and the top performer was “Sinister 2.” The Gramercy Pictures flick took third with $10.6 million. That's a disappointing debut considering its predecessor opened to $18 million a little under three years ago. Moreover, with a reported $10 million production budget it won't even be the profitable cash cow most horror flicks can hang their hats on.
Another new entry, “Hitman: Agent 47,” shot blanks in fourth with just $8.2 million. That's par the course for 20th Century Fox this summer who has dealt with one underperforming flick after another (outside of Melissa McCarthy and Paul Feig's “Spy,” of course).
“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” rounded out the top five with $7.4 million and $26.6 million through its second weekend. The Guy Ritchie adaptation of the classic '60s TV series looks like it will be lucky to earn over $150 million worldwide.
The last newcomer this weekend was Lionsgate's “American Ultra.” The Jesse Eisenbeg and Kristen Stewart action comedy took in just $5.5 million for sixth place. Lionsgate only paid $7 million for U.S. rights, but it will be a long time before this one can find its way to break even.
In limited release, Sony Classics opened the well received “Grandma” with Lily Tomlin in four theaters to $121,000 or $30,250 per screen.
Other noteworthy box office results include “Trainwreck” crossing the $100 million mark with $102.3 million, “The Gift” hitting $31 million and “Minions” is now just $11 million away from $1 billion worldwide.
New films debuting this week include “No Escape” on Wednesday and “We Are Your Friends” on Friday.
Box office actuals are released on Monday.